Educational Opportunity Program

Applications for STEP 2019 will be accepted beginning May 1, 2019. Students are strongly encouraged to apply to STEP early since enrollment is limited. Students must complete and submit a STEP application online via  OrgSync.

You must have your UCSB NetID and password in order to access the application. An incomplete application and/or an application submitted after the deadline will jeopardize STEP enrollment. Students experiencing any difficulties with the online application process can contact the EOP office directly at 805-893-2558.

Forgot your UCSB NetID? Visit UCSB Identity and Directory Services

The priority deadline to submit a STEP application is June 1, 2019 at 11:59 pm. The final deadline to apply for STEP is June 15, 2019 at 11:59pm.

EOP fall 2019 admitted frosh are eligible to attend STEP. Selection is based on EOP membership, prior college preparatory program involvement, a personal statement, and first generation status. Our expectation is that competitive student applications be thorough and completed to the best of the ability of the student. Transfer students are not eligible to attend STEP.

Transfer students are not eligible to attend the STEP program. For transfer student resources please consider applying to the EOP Summer Transfer Transitional Program (STTP) and vist the: UCSB Transfer Student Center website.

STEP 2019 is free of charge to EOP students. Rooms, meals, activities, and all school-related materials are covered by the EOP department. Students are encouraged to bring $30 to pay for their Access Card (student ID) and may bring extra money for souvenirs and emergencies that may arise.  

A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee your spot in STEP. The due date for the deposit is Friday July 19, 2019 and may only be sent in the form of a check or money order- NO CASH.

Deposits must be in our office by July 19, so please plan ahead and send it early to avoid any postal delays. If your deposit is not received by July 19, your spot will be offered to a student on the waiting list. Please contact EOP about any financial hardships.

No. The courses which students complete during STEP will provide an opportunity to prepare students for professor expectations and the demands of college coursework at the university.

EOP encourages all students to attend a Summer Orientation session to register for their fall classes. Registration during STEP is NOT GUARANTEED. Students’ schedules may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis without the guarantee of the chance to register. Please note that classes fill quickly and in STEP we have not control over class availability. For more information about Orientation, please visit: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/orientation/FreshmanOrientation/index.aspx

Freshman Orientation is a two-day visit to UCSB where students have an opportunity to:

• Receive extensive academic advising and register early for fall classes
• Learn about the academic environment and undergraduate research
• Meet other new students and make friends
• Experience residence hall living
• Explore ways to get involved in campus activities
• Meet UCSB faculty, staff, and administrators
• Discuss important first-year college issues
• Learn about campus life from current UCSB students
• Get all of your questions answered about coming to campus
• Learn your way around UCSB

We highly encourage and recommend attending orientation.  

No. STEP participants are expected to complete STEP while residing in an on-campus residence hall, attend all required classes, mandated workshops and scheduled events. It is in the student’s best interest to make a commitment to complete STEP to understand the effectiveness and benefits of STEP and EOP.

No. Vehicles may not be driven by students at any time while students attend STEP: There are no exceptions to this.

A student who has no other means of transportation to campus to attend STEP needs to contact the EOP office at 805-893-2558 to make advanced arrangements for parking on campus. There is a $56.00 fee (subject to change) that is charged for parking during STEP and students are responsible for paying this charge. STEP is not liable for any parking tickets/violations, damage and/or theft to a student’s vehicle while the vehicle is on campus during the STEP program.

Yes, you are encouraged to bring your laptop. There will also be computer labs available during the program for students to access at specific times. If a student decides to bring a laptop to STEP, EOP is not liable for any damages, loss or theft during the STEP program and this includes other electronic devices such as iPods, cell phones, and tablets, etc.  

No. Hotel accommodations are available off campus. A student can visit the UCSB Admissions website for local lodging listings. Students are discouraged to make arrangements with on-campus housing because of the nightly expense that a student is responsible for paying and limited availability. A student who exhausts all options to secure housing accommodations for early arrival and requires an early arrival prior to STEP needs to make advanced arrangements by contacting the EOP office at 805-893-2558.  

The Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP) is a six-week long summer program designed to allow UCSB first-year students an opportunity to get an early start on their academic careers in an intellectually stimulating and socially supportive environment. The program aims to help students make a successful academic transition from high school to the university.

For more information
E-mail fssp@summersessions.ucsb.edu 
Phone 805-893-2377 
Fax 805-893-7207 

STEP is a free (after $25 deposit) 1-week residential, non-unit bearing program offered through EOP.

FSSP is a 6-week program offered through the university: Students enroll for 8-13 credited course units. Financial aid is available to help cover FSSP expenses. 

No. STEP & FSSP program dates conflict with each other, so the STEP program does not allow students to participate in FSSP while attending STEP.

A student’s decision is strictly a personal one based on what a student wants to accomplish. Both programs provide unique opportunities and engage the participant at multiple levels within the university environment. STEP and FSSP are unique programs. Students are encouraged to think about what their personal/academic goals are at the university.

Please contact the EOP office directly at 805-893-2558   or EOP-STEP@sa.ucsb.edu